COMMON AILMENTS OF CATTLE 153 



drc nch, the head of the animal should be elevated by tying, 

 or it may be held by an assistant. The operator stands on 

 th< left side, and grasps the nose- with the thumb and fingers 

 in the nostrils. The bottle used should be adapted for the 

 pu -pose, having a long, strong neck. The mouth of the 

 bo tie should be inserted in front of the back teeth resting 

 on the tongue as far back as the middle. If the animal 

 coi tghs, the head should be at once lowered to allow the liquid 

 to escape from the windpipe. If this is not done, the med- 

 ici le may pass down into the lungs, and cause sickness. 

 Ui less there is some special reason for doing so, it is not 

 cu itomary to give over 1 to 2 quarts at a time. Unless the 

 he -dsman is thoroughly informed regarding the treatment of 

 cattle ailments, he will seldom have occasion to administer 

 medicine other than Epsom or Glauber salts except under 

 th<! direction of a veterinarian. 



COMMON AILMENTS 



142. Milk Fever. Milk fever occurs only with high-pro- 

 ducing cows. It never affects a cow with her first calf and 

 rarely with the second. The well-fed, heavy-milking cow 

 is ihe one most likely to be stricken. The disease is so typi- 

 cal that it is easily recognized. In practically every case 

 it occurs within 48 hours after calving. Every heavy-milk- 

 ing cow should be watched carefully until this time has 

 elapsed. The first symptoms are restlessness and excite- 

 ment. Within a short time paralysis of the hind legs be- 

 gins, resulting in a staggering gait. The animal soon falls 

 and is unable to rise. The cow assumes a characteristic 

 position, which is of great value in diagnosing the disease. 

 The head is turned to one side and rests on the chest with the 

 muzzle pointing towards the flank. When this position is 



